A manually operable proofing apparatus for performing sample test printings comprises a table for supporting a printable substrate, a carriage supported on the table for reciprocal movement along the printing surface, and a proofer assembly comprising an anilox roller for applying a printing material to the substrate. The carriage and the proofer assembly have matable quick-connect elements for selective attachment and detachment of the proofer assembly to, and from the carriage without fasteners or tools. The quick-connect element of the proofer assembly comprises a pair of bearings, and the quick-connect element of the carriage comprises a bracket defining an open receiving area for mated receipt of the bearing elements of the proofer assembly. The bracket of the carriage has a detent for retaining the bearing elements in an operational disposition supporting the anilox roller adjacent the printing surface when the bearing elements are mated within the receiving area.
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